Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) 44mm Bluetooth Smartwatch – Pros and Cons Review

A Bright Step Forward with Minor Stumbles

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) 44mm Bluetooth Smartwatch is a refined addition to Samsung’s wearable lineup, blending advanced AI, a brighter display, and robust health tracking. Aimed at Android users, particularly those with Samsung phones, it competes with the Apple Watch Series 10 and Pixel Watch 3. After testing, here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons.

PROS

Stunning Display: The 44mm Galaxy Watch 8 features a 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display (480×480, 327ppi) with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the Galaxy Watch 7. This ensures excellent readability in direct sunlight, ideal for outdoor activities like running. The sapphire crystal glass adds durability, and the slim 7mm bezels enhance its sleek look.

AI-Powered Features: Running Wear OS 6 with One UI 8, the Watch 8 integrates Google’s Gemini AI assistant, accessible via a long press of the top button. Gemini handles queries, sends texts, and syncs with apps like Calendar and Samsung Health, making it a handy companion. Samsung’s Galaxy AI offers personalized sleep coaching, running plans, and an Energy Score, enhancing its role as a wellness tool.

Advanced Health Tracking: The Watch 8 introduces unique features like an Antioxidant Index, measuring carotenoid levels via a thumb sensor, and Vascular Load tracking during sleep to assess vascular stress. It also detects sleep apnea, tracks heart rate, and offers stress alerts with guided breathing exercises. The Running Coach provides real-time feedback for 5K or marathon training, appealing to fitness enthusiasts.

Comfortable, Durable Design: At 43.7mm x 46mm x 8.6mm and 30g, the Watch 8 is 11% thinner than its predecessor, with a new “cushion” squircle design and Dynamic Lug System for a snug fit. Its IP68 and MIL-STD-810H ratings ensure water and dust resistance, suitable for rugged use. Available in Graphite or Silver, it balances style and functionality.

Robust Connectivity: With Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and optional LTE, the Watch 8 offers seamless connectivity. The 32GB storage supports apps like Google Maps and Spotify, and the Exynos W1000 chip ensures smooth performance across tasks.

CONS

Disappointing Battery Life: The 435mAh battery lasts ~30 hours with the always-on display enabled, requiring daily charging. Competitors like the Pixel Watch 3 (46.5 hours) and OnePlus Watch 3 (98 hours) outlast it, making this a notable drawback for a premium smartwatch.

Squircle Design Controversy: The new cushion design, while sleek, has drawn criticism for its unconventional look, with some preferring a fully circular face. The design feels larger than necessary, with wasted space around the screen, though it’s less noticeable in daily use.

Health Features’ Mixed Utility: The Antioxidant Index, while innovative, lacks consistent accuracy (e.g., fooled by non-fruit items) and may lose appeal after initial use. These features feel experimental and not medical-grade, requiring cautious interpretation.

FINAL VERDICT

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) 44mm Bluetooth Smartwatch is a strong contender for Android users, offering a vibrant display, AI-driven features, and comprehensive health tracking. Its lightweight design and connectivity make it versatile, but the short battery life and price increase are drawbacks. Ideal for Samsung ecosystem users, it earns praise as a wellness companion but falls short of competitors in endurance. If battery life isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s a worthy upgrade, especially at discounts .